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Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Roasted garlic white bean dip not only tastes delicious, but it is super simple to make too. This 5-ingredient dip is made by blending canned white beans with garlic, lemon zest and juice, olive oil and creme fraiche to make a wonderful smooth and creamy textured dip.

A gorgeous and fresh plate of vegetables with a white bean and garlic dip drizzled in olive oil.

Any recipe that can be made with a few simple ingredients that most of use have in our larders at home is a winner for me. I always have a tin of white beans in my cupboards and this easy white bean dip is a quick and tasty use for them.

Once you have made this best white bean dip you will find a whole host of uses for it. Scoop it up with pitta chips or carrot sticks, add it to your sandwiches and salads or any lunch or dinner main as a great tasting side.

I am always looking at ways to introduce healthy snacks to my kids and I find that a great way of getting them to up their 5-a-day is to make veggie sticks and dip.

Making your own dips, means that you know exactly what is going into them. There is no added sugar or preservatives in this easy white bean dip.

What is white bean dip made with?

White bean dip is made with white beans, olive oil and fresh lemon juice and zest. I have also added some creme fraiche to make the dip extra silky and creamy.

Why you’ll love this roasted garlic white bean dip recipe:

  • Made with only 5 ingredients and a little seasoning, this dip can be made in minutes.
  • Make ahead earlier in the day and store in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • Feeding a crowd this recipe can be easily doubled up. Or make one batch now and freeze some for later!

How to make White Bean Dip:

Cloves of garlic removed from the skins and tossed in olive oil and seasoned with salt & pepper in foil.
  • Preheat the oven to 200C/180CFan.
  • Peel the garlic cloves and place into a large square of kitchen foil.
  • Drizzle over the olive oil and bunch the kitchen foil up to make a parcel around the garlic.
  • Place the foil parcel into the oven and roast the garlic for 25-30 minutes.
  • Once roasted remove the foil parcel from the oven and set the garlic aside to cool a little.
A fresh lemon zested alongside a fine grater.
  • Now finely grate the zest of a lemon and also juice the lemon.
White beans, roasted garlic, creme fraiche and lemon zest in a food processor.
  • Meanwhile drain and rinse the white beans and place them into the bowl of a food processor or high speed blender.
  • Add the roasted garlic, creme fraiche, lemon zest and juice. Blitz together to combine.
  • Now drizzle in the olive oil, adding it gradually. Use the pulse function to incorporate the oil until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper and then pour into a large serving bowl.
  • Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Recipe ingredients & substitutions:

Ingredients for a roasted garlic and white bean dip.
  • GARLIC: I like to roast the garlic, rather than adding it raw as it softens the flavour. Garlic is entirely optional so if you prefer, leave it out and you’ll still have a great tasting lemon white bean dip.
  • OIL: I use extra-virgin olive oil to both roast the garlic and added to the dip. Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavour, but you can use regular olive oil or a rapeseed oil if you prefer.
  • WHITE BEANS: for ease I use 2 x 400g cans of cannellini beans. You can use any variety of canned white bean: cannellini; butter beans; and haricot beans (navy beans in the US) are a good choice.
  • LEMON: as I am using both the lemon juice and finely grated zest I would recommend using unwaxed lemons.
  • CREME FRAICHE: adds a creamy element which makes a silky smooth dip. You could also use Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Recipe variations:

Using this recipe as a base you can really play with the flavours. Here are some ideas:

  • Spice things up and add a few de-seeded red chillies to roast alongside the garlic, before adding to the dip.
  • Fresh herbs make a great addition. You can either blend them through the dip. However, I prefer to chops them and stir them through at the end. Parsley, chives, thyme, mint, basil, tarragon and dill would all work great.
  • Blend through some veggies for example add some roasted red peppers from a jar or add some fresh avocado.
  • To make a vegan white bean dip swap the creme fraiche for dairy free Greek yogurt instead.
A stick of celery being dipped into a white bean dip.

Serving suggestions:

This delicious dip makes a great appetiser and tastes great served with vegetable sticks or a crudite platter, toasted pitta breads, sliced baguette, crackers, or your favourite crisps and chips.

However, it is really versatile too. I’ve served this dip as part of a main meal as a veggie side with both grilled chicken and fish dishes. Or how about using it as a base for some cumin roasted carrots like I’ve done below.

Can white bean dip be made ahead?

This roasted garlic white bean dip is a great make ahead dip.

  • Fridge: this easy white bean dip can be made a day ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  • Freezer: you can also store this dip in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Creme Fraiche freezes well, compared with other dairy products, particularly when whipped together with other ingredients. It doesn’t split when defrosted. Defrost in the fridge before serving.

Useful hints and tips:

  1. A food processor or blender makes light work of this dip. If you don’t have either, then you can use a stick blender instead. Perhaps just reduce the amount you put into the bowl and blend in batches.
  2. For a dairy free/vegan dip swap the creme fraiche for some dairy free Greek yogurt instead.
  3. Allergy advice: gluten free, egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

Pin the recipe:

Additional recipe suggestions:

If you like this recipe then try some of our other great tasting dips and dressing recipes:

For more recipes read my Easy Mezze Platter Ideas post.

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

This 5-ingredient dip is made by blending canned white beans with garlic, lemon zest and juice, olive oil and creme fraiche to make a wonderful smooth and creamy textured dip.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Text Save
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 192kcal

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or blender

Ingredients

Roasted garlic

  • 8 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Finish the dip

  • 800 g canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 lemon (juice and finely grated zest)
  • 100 g creme fraiche
  • 40 g extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/180CFan.
  • Peel the garlic cloves and place into a large square of kitchen foil. Drizzle over the olive oil and bunch the kitchen foil up to make a parcel around the garlic.
  • Place the foil parcel into the oven and roast the garlic for 25-30 minutes. Once roasted remove the foil parcel from the oven and set the garlic aside to cool a little.
  • Meanwhile drain and rinse the white beans and place them into the bowl of a food processor or high speed blender.
  • Add the roasted garlic, creme fraiche, lemon zest and juice. Blitz together to combine.
  • Now drizzle in the olive oil, adding it gradually. Use the pulse function to incorporate the oil until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper and then pour into a large serving bowl. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Use any variety of canned white bean: cannellini; butter beans; and haricot beans (navy beans in the US) are a good choice.
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Amount Per Serving
Calories 192 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 7mg0%
Potassium 397mg11%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 150IU3%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 72mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Appetizer, Canape, Starter, Side, Snack
Cuisine : Mediterranean
Keyword : best white bean dip, cannellini bean dip, easy white bean dip, lemon white bean dip, roasted garlic white bean dip
Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your photos!Mention @lostinf00d or tag #lostinfood!
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Recipe Rating




5 from 9 votes (1 rating without comment)

Rebecca - Glutarama

Friday 1st of July 2022

Always on the look out for recipes like this to accompany summertime salads and BBQ grub, this is perfect, thank you for sharing.

Lesley

Friday 1st of July 2022

Thank you Rebecca, this is one of my favourite summer dips, ideal when the BBQ is on.

Jo Keohane

Thursday 30th of June 2022

I love a dip and this looks delicious! Healthy too! Thanks for posting.

Lesley

Friday 1st of July 2022

Thank you Jo, it's one of my favourite dips, full of the good stuff.

Sheeba

Wednesday 29th of June 2022

Hi Lesley, I love the flavor of roasted garlic in this interesting dip! Can't wait to try this!

Lesley

Wednesday 29th of June 2022

Thank you Sheeba, I hope you enjoy it.

Cat

Monday 27th of June 2022

I love this as an alternative to hummus. I also measure the amount of garlic with my heart, because I love a garlicy dip!

Lesley

Tuesday 28th of June 2022

Thank you Cat, you will love this creamy smooth dip as it has a great roasted garlic flavour.

Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist

Monday 27th of June 2022

Goodness! How delicious does this look and so simple too. Perfect for summer xx

Lesley

Monday 27th of June 2022

Thank you Kate, it is the perfect summer dip with a bowl of crisp veggies.

5 from 9 votes (1 rating without comment)